The family of Corporal Chinonso Okafor, who was shot dead by his senior colleague identified as Inspector Afang Luke, in Delta State on January 16 while arresting cultists, have demanded justice for their son.
It was gathered that on January 16, the Delta State Police Tactical Squad was on a routine patrol at Mosogar, Sapele when it intercepted some persons suspected to be cultists who attempted to run away when they sighted the police operatives.
In an attempt to arrest the suspected cultists, Inspector Luke accidentally shot Corporal Okafor from behind.
Okafor was immediately taken to the Central Hospital, Sapele, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
The PUNCH had quoted a police source as saying, “Inspector Luke was trying to stop the boys from escaping, but he mistakenly shot Corporal Okafor at the back. It was an accidental discharge.”
It was reported that Inspector Luke was arrested and detained at the Sapele Division of the police, while the two other boys whose identities were not disclosed were also arrested and detained at the same station.
However, a member of Corporal Okafor’s family who spoke with SaharaReporters on the phone said that the police authorities had not reached out to the family about the incident.
The family source said that they did not know any action being taken by the police to the late Okafor justice.
“We want Nigerians to know what happened on the 16th of January. We the family want the Nigerian police to make law and take charge accordingly.
“The police have not contacted us or let us know what they are doing about the matter. We want justice,” the family source said.
However, several efforts made to get a reaction and comment from the Delta State Command about the incident failed as its spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, did not answer calls made by our correspondent.